Proverbs 1:20–33

Wisdom’s Plea

20 Wisdom calls out in the street;

she raises her voice in the public squares. e

21 She cries out above f the commotion;

she speaks at the entrance of the city * gates:

22 “How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?

How long will you mockers g enjoy mocking

and you fools hate knowledge? h

23 If you respond to my warning, i j

then I will pour out my spirit on you k

and teach you my words.

24 Since I called out and you refused, l

extended my hand and no one paid attention, m

25 since you neglected all my counsel n

and did not accept my correction,

26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. o

I will mock when terror strikes you,

27 when terror strikes you like a storm

and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,

when trouble and stress overcome you.

28 Then they will call me, but I won’t answer;

they will search for me, but won’t find me. p

29 Because they hated knowledge,

didn’t choose to fear the Lord, q

30 were not interested in my counsel,

and rejected all my correction, r

31 they will eat the fruit of their way s

and be glutted with their own schemes. t

32 For the turning away of the inexperienced will kill them, u

and the complacency of fools will destroy them.

33 But whoever listens to me will live securely

and be free from the fear of danger.” v